Are you planning a trip to Alicante and the Costa Blanca? Discover the best neighborhoods to stay in Alicante!
Enjoying a mild Mediterranean climate in winter and warm in summer, Alicante is the second largest city in the Valencia Community in south-eastern Spain. With 328,648 inhabitants and 757,443 people spread throughout the metropolitan area, Alicante is known as a welcoming and hospitable city. Colonized in 201 BC by the Romans, the ancient Lucentum is now a major tourist attraction in Spain and exudes a lively atmosphere all year round. Though there is plenty of accommodation in Alicante available, the city attracts tourists in high numbers. To avoid any inconvenience, make sure you book your place to stay in Alicante in advance.
Boasting countless historical monuments, idyllic beaches, a breathtaking cultural and culinary heritage, as well as a buzzing nightlife, Alicante has something for everyone to enjoy. Discover our selection of the best neighborhoods to stay in Alicante.
The City Center
Photo credit: Flickr – Chilli Head
The city center – “El casco antiguo,” as the locals call it – is Alicante’s historic quarter. It’s accessible from the Town Hall Square – Plaza del Ayuntamiento -, a majestic baroque building inaugurated in 1780. On Plaza Abad Penalva, you can visit the Co-Cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Bari, built on the ruins of a Moorish mosque dating back to Muslim times. And walk along Calle Labradores to find a place to enjoy a good drink or a meal on the terrace. The historic center is home to many century-old historic buildings that bear witness to ancient civilizations. “El Paseo de la Explanada” – the Esplanade of Spain – is a local favorite, featuring a wealth of craft markets, shops, bars, restaurants as far as the eye can see, as well as theatrical shows and plays: something to delight both young and old visitors.
Wander through the festive streets of the city center, packed with an array of bars and restaurants to choose from. For example, the Rambla Méndez Núñez offers everything you need to fulfill your stay in Alicante, including exciting nightlife venues and numerous shops. Don’t miss the Plaza de Toros and Plaza de España. If you feel like a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean sea, make your way to the beach of Postiguet, a trendy and busy beach in Alicante. If you seek a more tranquil atmosphere, it’s best to move away from the city center towards San Juan, in the northeast. The city center is an excellent place to stay in Alicante. Not far away, in the district of San Antón, don’t miss a visit to the Santa Barbara castle and the modern public park called Parque La Ereta.
Find a hotel in El casco antiguo
Find an Airbnb in El casco antiguo
Santa Cruz
Photo credit: Flickr – Gala Medina
Nestled between the historic center and the San Antón district, Santa Cruz is arguably Alicante’s most charming, colorful and touristy quarter. A whirlwind of colors awaits you: balconies adorned with flowers, small houses tinged with yellow, ochre, bright white and red. Santa Cruz has been nicknamed “El Barrio” (“The Neighborhood”) as it is one of Alicante’s oldest districts. Take the time to discover the Basilica of Santa Maria – the oldest church in the city, built in the 14th century – and visit one of the city’s typical small bars to have a drink or savor some delicious tapas.
Santa Cruz also offers numerous cultural sightseeing opportunities. Explore the art-filled rooms of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Alicante (Maca), featuring artworks by local artists as well as the masterpieces by world-renowned Spanish Masters such as Miro, Picasso, and Dalí. If you want to be immersed in the city’s bustling activity without having to use public transport, Santa Cruz is a perfect area to stay in Alicante.
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